Australian crocodile wrangler Matt Wright is on trial, accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice after a fatal helicopter crash in 2022. Wright, known for his reality TV shows “Outback Wrangler” and “Wild Croc Territory,” faces three counts of attempting to interfere with the investigation into the crash, which resulted in the death of his friend and co-star Chris “Willow” Wilson. Pilot Sebastian Robinson was also seriously injured in the incident.
Prosecutor Jason Gullaci SC alleged that Wright tried to destroy or alter evidence, including flight logs, and falsely reported the fuel tank level of the damaged helicopter. Gullaci claimed Wright had a “play around” with the dashboard of the helicopter and was involved in “systemic under-recording” of flight hours. The prosecution also presented secret recordings made inside Wright’s home, where he allegedly urged friends to “torch” evidence.
Gullaci further alleged that Wright visited Robinson at a Brisbane hospital and attempted to pressure him into transferring flight hours from the crashed aircraft to another helicopter. This alleged attempt to influence a witness is part of the charges against Wright.
Wright’s defense team denies the allegations, stating that under-recording flight hours was standard practice for many pilots in the Northern Territory. Lawyer David Edwardson SC emphasized that Wright “emphatically denies” breaking the law and that the original flight records were ultimately provided to authorities. The defense also questioned the credibility of Robinson and his extended family.
The trial, expected to run for up to five weeks, will examine the circumstances surrounding the crash and Wright’s alleged attempts to interfere with the investigation. The case has sparked significant interest, given Wright’s celebrity status and the seriousness of the allegations.
